We're half-way through the year, and so far it has been turning out to hold some of the biggest and most shocking headlines in history. But, what is it that we've learned from these events? Well, there are a few messages I believe we should take from what we have been witnessing in the media.
1. It can inspire us to actually go for what we dream of and never give up.
We know that nothing should be declared as impossible, and we know that if we truly believe in something then we should go after it. But why, when we know all of this, do we limit ourselves? Life's too short to give up. Today's headlines are showing us that if we want to change our job, move somewhere new, start a project, or change anything big or small in our lives—then we should. If we give give on ourselves and on what we want, then how can we better our lives or the lives of anyone else? Ultimately, what can we learn if we never take the risk? I think that 2015 is the year to go for our biggest goals ask ourselves what we want and make it happen.
2. It is teaching us to judge less and love more.
The year 2015 has made history and the message is bigger than what we could have imagined before. What we have learned is that one change can make a massive difference and spark new conversations about equal rights. We are a work in progress; this country has learned from a ton of trial and error—what we see now in headlines is a glimmer of hope for the future and the steps necessary to be taken in order to create equality. I feel that now, more than ever, we should stop seeing headlines like this:
Otherwise, we'll contradict everything we've worked so hard to overcome.
3. It has ignited a need for creating more change.
It shouldn't have to take the celebrities to spark important conversations, but it does, and it is extremely effective. After these recent videos were released, they immediately became trending. These are only some of the issues we should be discussing—thankfully, we have the people who are featured in headlines regularly asking the questions we are thinking, too, but probably choosing to ignore. Every retweet, like, or share these received means that the message is supported. The next step is doing something about it. With all the disgust and hatred we see in the news, how can these conversations not start? How can we stand by and allow horrible things to happen? Well we shouldn't. But we do. I feel that with headlines like these, we're finally being told that its enough and maybe we're finally listening, or maybe we're finally agreeing to do something. Plus—Beyonce wants us to, so c'mon demand a plan.
4. It has showed us that yes, it is scary, but fear is not enough to stop us from trying.
There are going to be times when we are afraid to do something we really want. Today's recent headlines are showing us that fear can't and shouldn't stand in the way any longer. Not just in the LGBT community, but for anyone who has ever been afraid to pursue something because they fear failing, not knowing the outcome, change, or being different. There are tons of choices you will have to make as you get older and most of them are terrifying—going off to college, graduating, starting a new job, moving, starting a family—these are all intimidating, but we are only hurting ourselves by not trying. I believe we should support each other in our efforts to try to face our fears, because in the end we all have had to at one point in our lives. We can all relate to each other's fears in similar ways.
5. It has taught us to own it, rock it, love it, and live it.
These kinds of headlines may seem silly, but they are reaching billions of people everyday, and what we learn from it is truly important. The message from news like this is to remember to be ourselves. Look at all of these people who are making massive headlines just for being themselves. Embracing their weirdness, their beliefs, and their character all made them successful. How far can you really go if you are limiting who you are as a person? I truly think that 2015 should be the year of you! By being yourself, you will feel better about yourself and will then respect others for being themselves, too.
These are only a few examples of what we have been witnessing in the news. The big takeaway is this: It's important to take everything that is occurring in our surroundings, all the change, growth, good and bad, and apply it to ourselves. We should learn from what others are doing and become inspired from their courage and strength. If anything, so far this year has proven to us that we should support what we believe in and actively strive to make a difference. Owning who you are and being proud of where we have come from has proven to get to the place where you want to be. The biggest message from all that has been in the media is that people are capable of anything. The year 2015 is not the time to hide in the shadows but to embrace who you are, your uniqueness, your differences, and to pursue your goals.
The year 2015 is nowhere near perfect, but it has started the conversations that need to be had in order to lead to change.
As an incoming senior (about to have her final year at the most amazing school and begin a new chapter in her adult life), I will remind myself, every day closer to graduation, that now is the best time to go for it; take the risks, start speaking up and go for my dreams. I truly believe we should all learn from the important headlines we read and do something amazing with our new knowledge of the changing world.
Headline photos courtesy of: New York Times, E! online, Paper, Washington Post, CNN, NBC, Late Night with Jon Stewart, Comedy Central, CBS, Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, and UpWorthy
